Know your rights and learn what you can do to help yourself
There are 10 resources
General Information
Borrower Beware: The High Cost of Small Loans, Pawnbrokers and Rent-To-Own Stores
(Separate Website)
This brochure describes the high cost of different kinds of small loans - payday loans, pawning your car's title, and renting-to-own a TV, stereo, furniture or appliances. Read this in: Español
(You must have Adobe Acrobat Reader on your computer to open this page of their website. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Get Acrobat Reader icon to download.)
By: National Consumer Law Center
Buying a Used Car
Buying a used car can be confusing and difficult. A quick look may tell you a car is in bad condition, but you can't always tell just by looking. Some dealers hide things from you. Others mislead you. Here are some answers to questions you may have about buying a used car.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Buying a Used Car? Facts for Consumers
(Separate Website)
Before you start shopping for a car, do some homework. This site covers payment options, dealer sales, warranties, service contracts, private sales, and more. Read this in: Español By: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
My New Car is a Lemon
Alabama law gives rights to people who buy defective new cars. This article talks about those rights. To learn about rights buyers of used cars have, see Buying a Used Car.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Dangers of Co-Signing a Loan
Should I co-sign a loan? What happens when I co-sign? If I decide to co-sign despite the risks, what should I do? This document answers these questions.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Co-signing a Loan - Facts for Consumers
(Separate Website)
What would you do if a friend or relative asked you to cosign a loan? Before you answer, make sure you understand what cosigning involves. Under federal law, creditors are required to give you a notice that explains your obligations. This site includes that notice and other information.
By: U.S. Federal Trade Commission
Filing a Consumer Complaint in Alabama
(Separate Website)
This website includes tips on how to resolve a complaint. Also has instructions on how to file a complaint by writing a letter or filling out a form online. Includes Alabama's Consumer Hotline telephone numbers.
By: Alabama Attorney General's Office
Repossessions
If you bought something on credit or put up something you own as collateral, the creditor may have the right to repossess it. Cars are often repossessed. We use a car as an example for repossessions and answer questions about what you can do.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Executions
If you owe money to a person or business and cannot pay, they will try to collect. If a creditor sues you and gets a court judgment, the creditor may have the right to execute against your property. This document explains how a creditor does this and what you can do to protect your property.
By: Legal Services Alabama
Save Those Papers!
In order to protect your rights, you may need to use papers others have given you. This fact sheet tells you what papers you should save.
By: Legal Services Alabama
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AlabamaLegalHelp.org is a project of Legal Services Alabama and the Legal Services Corporation. It is produced in cooperation with Pro Bono Net and legal services organizations, bar associations, community organizations and government agencies throughout Alabama and the United States.